This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

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I have not been on this site for a long time. Today, I went to the Rehabilitation center because my walking is not very good, even dangerous with a cane. Of course, they said I should use a walker.... that is where I crumble. To me, using a walker would really limit where I go, my work and would mean that I have admitted DEFEAT. I have a major blockage here. I know that if I brake a bone , IT will be much worse and then, I couldn't work...I am so stuck on winning this battle but I have to admit to myself that it would be THE thing to do, change and to just adapt.. Any advice???

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Would the rehab center teach you how to walk with the cane? Reason I ask is, I did a short stint of physical therapy when I was first diagnosed and had to re-learn how to walk. I thought it was a bit odd, but I didn't realize how much time I spent looking at my feet and watching my every step to prevent tripping and falling. Re-learning how to walk may lessen the need for a cane and help with your overall mobility.

If you need a walker, however, it's not the end of the world if it helps you get around. I use a cane and often have to hold my husband's arm or shoulder if we're out and about. We have to do a lot of adapting with this disease and anything that can make our lives easier, I say use it. Hang in there! I hope you land an enlightened physical therapist.

in the year of so that i have been learning about MS, one thing i see is that it is all about the quality of your life. my partner uses a cane, mostly for balance but also because of weekness.

during the previous Christmas season, we went to a big mall. normally, she would be good for the whole walk using my arm as her cane but she would be so tired that she would need the next day to recover.

this time i suggested a wheelchair. she almost cried and sounded just like you - it would mean giving up.

i told her we could spend the next 4 hours walking around here and then the next 2 days in bed or we could wheel around here for 4 hours and have enough energy to go out to dinner too.

it worked out great. we would wheel around to a store where she would get up and then walk around.

its not about giving up and admitting defeat. its about doing everything you can to enjoy life.

Thanks Doug, you read and understood exactly how I felt. I go shopping with my scooter, in Montreal, where no one knows me. Crazy but true. Too proud for my own good. It is so true that recovering from overdoing it is a waste of some good precious times, I will remember that. Thanks Carole

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